Mayor Martin Chávez Announces Rapid After Dark Service Starts May 25

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 6:00 PM

ALBUQUERQUE-Mayor Martin Chávez and ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne are pleased to announce that Rapid After Dark service will return on Friday, May 25, 2007. The late-night Rapid Ride service will continue running every Friday and Saturday night through September 22, 2007.

“Rapid After Dark is one of ABQ RIDE’s most popular services,” said Mayor Chávez. “It allows Albuquerque residents to enjoy the city's diverse and exciting nightlife without the hassles of parking or the dangers of drinking and driving.”

Rapid After Dark is a late-night extension of service on the Rapid Ride “Red Line,” which runs along the Central Avenue corridor. Instead of stopping at 8 p.m., Rapid Ride buses will continue running every 20 minutes until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Paratransit service will also be available for certified passengers within a three-quarter-mile radius of the Rapid After Dark route.

Rapid After Dark was introduced in the summer of 2005. This year marks the first time the Rail Runner will also offer late-night service on the weekends.

“Between the bus and the train, people from Albuquerque and the city’s outlying areas will have great access to food, entertainment and work,” said ABQ RIDE Director Greg Payne. “The Rail Runner provides north-south service, while Rapid After Dark travels an east-west route.”

For the first time, ABQ RIDE is selling a Rapid After Dark VIP pass. The $15 pass provides unlimited rides on Rapid After Dark and also includes coupons for various restaurants and businesses along the route. Passes can be purchased downtown at the Alvarado Transportation Center or at any Raley’s or Albertson’s location.

Without the VIP pass, each one-way trip on Rapid After Dark costs $1. Valid ABQ RIDE and Rail Runner passes will also be accepted.